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NPA defends supplement safety after FIFA slam

Shaw says quality control is written into every aspect of good manufacturing practices, and FDA has been doing a remarkable job of enforcing GMPs across the industry.

Natural Products Association | Sep 10, 2012

Statement from Natural Products Association Executive Director and CEO John Shaw about the benefits and safety of dietary supplements in response to comments by the FIFA chief medical officer.

“More than half of all Americans, including many athletes, take dietary supplements as part of a healthy lifestyle. This industry continues to have an excellent safety record even with widespread use. Additionally, supplements have been shown to have a variety of healthful benefits, including addressing nutritional deficiencies.

“Furthermore, the assertion that supplements are not subject to quality control is just flat out wrong. Dietary supplements are part of a fully regulated industry. Quality control is written into every aspect of good manufacturing practices and the FDA has been doing a remarkable job of enforcing GMPs across the industry.

“In the case of contamination, NPA fully supports all efforts to get contaminated products off store shelves. These illegal products are not supplements and anyone who manufactures or sells them intentionally should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Along with all consumers, athletes should talk to their doctor or health care professional before taking any supplements. NPA offers information and resources about dietary supplements at NPAinfo.org/consumers.”